Activists push New York Methodist Hospital to acquire LICH

If Long Island College Hospital activists get their way, New York Methodist Hospital will acquire the beleaguered medical center in its entirety rather than pursuing its current plan to build an eight-story outpatient clinic expansion. But that is unlikely to happen.

Because Methodist has the cash for a pricey U-shaped addition, activists argue, it could more than afford to acquire the Cobble Hill facility. But despite readily admitting that Methodist is in good shape financially, a representative told the Brooklyn Paper that renovating the existing center from impatient to outpatient use would be “prohibitively expensive.”

Activists aren’t convinced.

“From an economics point of view, it would seem to make sense for Methodist to bid on LICH or partner with someone,” Jeff Strabone, a Cobble Hill Association board member, told the paper.

Still, Methodist insists that such a takeover bid is unlikely.

The Methodist plan, which would include a surgery, cancer and diagnostic radiology service center, would require a zoning variance as currently outlined. Should such a change be denied, Methodist would then build a tall and narrow complex that adheres to the existing zoning guidelines. [Brooklyn Paper] — Julie Strickland